Governor General

Insignia Worn by the Governor General

Upon taking office, the Governor General is entitled to wear a number of insignia. Depending on the occasion, the Governor General may wear the following insignia, in order of precedence:

The Order of Canada

The Order was created on July 1, 1967 to recognize Canadians who have made a difference to our country. It is Canada's highest honour for lifetime achievement. Her Majesty The Queen is Sovereign of the Order and the Governor General is its Chancellor and Principal Companion.

The Order of Military Merit

The Order of Military Merit was established on July 1, 1972 to recognize a career of exceptional service or distinctive merit displayed by the men and women of both the Regular and Reserve Forces. Her Majesty The Queen is Sovereign of the Order, and the Governor General is the Chancellor and a Commander of the Order.

The Order of Merit of the Police Forces

The Order of Merit of the Police Forces was created in 2000 as a means of recognizing conspicuous merit and exceptional service by the men and women of the Canadian Police Forces. The Queen of Canada is Sovereign of the Order and the Governor General is the Chancellor and a Commander of the Order. The Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is the Principal Commander of the Order.

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in Canada is a registered charity whose mission is to help Canadians improve their health, safety and quality of life by providing training and community services. The Queen is Sovereign of the Order and the Governor General is the Prior and Chief Officer of the Order in Canada.

The Canadian Forces Decoration

The Canadian Forces Decoration was created in 1949 to recognize twelve years of service and good conduct in the Canadian Forces. The Governor General is Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces.